I only ever trail ride my horse, and always ride in jeans. Recently I have been told this can wreck my English saddle. Is this true? I feel a bit ridiculous dragging on my jodhpurs just for a little trail ride, where I generally walk and trot, with the occasional canter.

I know Western riders always ride in jeans, but I was told this is because of the different saddles.

I only ever trail ride my horse, and always ride in jeans. Recently I have been told this can wreck my English saddle. Is this true? I feel a bit ridiculous dragging on my jodhpurs just for a little trail ride, where I generally walk and trot, with the occasional canter.

I know Western riders always ride in jeans, but I was told this is because of the different saddles.

My english riding instructor told me to wear jeans. It might just be to start off though. I'm not sure.

P.S. Noob question here: What is the difference between jodhpurs and breeches? Also, how do you pronounce breeches?

As far as I know, breeches are shorter than jodhpurs, so you have to wear tall boots or chaps with them. Breeches are pronounced differently depending on where you live, either "britches" or "breeechers".

I thought it sounded a bit stupid when my friend told me I shouldn't wear jeans. I just wanted to check!

The seam along the inside of your jeans will wear out the seat of the saddle way faster than if you wear breeches. They make riding jeans now though. They have no inseam and are made of a soft, stretchy denim fabric. You could also use a seat saver. Those will protect the seat of your saddle from wear. The Cashel Tush Cushion is one that my friend uses and works wonderfully. Plus it's super comfy to sit in. I used to ride in jeans, until they started damaging the seat on my saddle. I switched over to breeches then, but the damage was mostly done and continued to progress, though at a much slower rate. I now have to replace the seat on my saddle, which will run me about $700.

Re pronounciation: It seems to be the norm in this area is to say "breeks"; I think the more formal pronounciation is "britches".

Re jeans on English saddles: The only things I could see that would possibly damage the leather would be the designer (eg rhinestone, etc) pockets, as already mentioned. A distant second possibility might the inside seam of the jeans - some styles have the double seam in the inside and this, because it's thicker, may rub (I haven't bought breeches for awhile so I don't know if fashion has changed but mine are styled such that the inside seam is offset and doesn't rest against the saddle).

Re difference between jodphurs and breeches: It's mostly in the lower leg; jodphurs are ankle length, frequently with a cuff and sometimes (especially for the young rider) fitted with a strap that goes under the outside of boot and around the bottom to keep them in place, and are worn with ankle high paddock boots; the lower legs of breeches are shorter and minimally designed so that they fit inside tall riding boots.

P.S. I think as long as your clothing is safe and comfortable, you wear what you want.

I think that especially with softer leather seats jeans can be damaging to saddle seats. You also need to be careful about the placement of any kind of embellishments on the jeans so that they do not scratch your saddle. However, I know plenty of people that only ride in jeans and their saddles are in great shape despite this. I ride in a synthetic saddle, but I frequently ride in jeans with no issues.

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